Book Marketing Kung Fu vs. Telemarketing Tae Kwon Do

Telemarketer: “Hello, I’m ABC from XYZ. How are you tonight?”

Me: “I’m great. How are you?”

Telemarketer: “Fine, thank you. We’re conducting a survey—”

Me: “Hey, I need you to do me a favor. Go to Amazon.com right quick.” Slight pause. “Let me know when you’re there.”

Telemarketer: “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t have access to a computer at the moment. I’m calling because—”

Me: “Okay, then get on your cell phone and access Amazon from there. Stay on this phone with me and get on the internet with your cell phone.”

Telemarketer: “Believe it or not, I don’t have a smart phone, sir. The reason I was calling is—”

Me: “Ask someone to borrow their smart phone and get on Amazon real quick.”

Telemarketer: “I’m sorry, sir, but we’re not allowed to have cell phones while we’re doing surveys.”

Me: “Well, do you have a pen and paper?”

Telemarketer: “Yes, sir, I do have that.”

Me: “Let me know when you’re ready to write something down.”

Rustling noise in the background.

Telemarketer: “Okay, I’m ready.”

Me: “Write down ‘BJ Bourg’—that’s the name of the author.” I waited a few seconds. “Got that?”

Telemarketer: “Yes, sir.”

Me: “Now write down ‘JAMES 516’—that’s the name of the book.” Again, I waited a few seconds. “Did you get that?”

Telemarketer: “Yes, sir.”

Me: “When you get a chance, go to Amazon.com and buy a copy of the book—you WON’T regret it!”

Telemarketer: “Okay, sir, thank you for the tip. Goodbye.”

The line went dead.

Book marketing kung fu wins!


BJ Bourg is the author of JAMES 516 (Amber Quill Press, 2014), THE SEVENTH TAKING (Amber Quill Press, 2015), and HOLLOW CRIB (Five Star-Gale-Cengage, 2016).
 
© 2015 BJ Bourg

My Son's Golden Birthday

Twenty-one years ago, on the 21st day of March, Brandon was born. One year later he got his first taste of birthday cake--my, how things have changed!

With his arrival came the best titled I've ever held..."Dad". That was the first happiest day of my life (the second came when Grace was born) and he's brought me nothing but good times and happy memories. Sure, there were worrisome times--like when he had severe asthma as a child and when he broke his back in high school--but we came out the other side stronger and closer.

 

Brandon has always been the best son a father could ask for and, when Grace Bourg arrived, he became the best big brother a sister could ask for. (I'm amazed at how well Brandon and Grace got along all of these years--considering I had siblings--a true testament to their good character.) He remains both to this day.

 

Brandon has developed into an amazing young man and he continues to grow every day, pushing himself to be the best that he can be in every facet of his life. Due to his hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence, I know the future holds great things for him. I look forward to watching him mature into an amazing "old" man and being there to cheer him on the entire way.

Happy Birthday, Buddy. I will always love you, support you, and wish you the very best.

P.S. You're like a son to me.


BJ Bourg is the author of JAMES 516 (Amber Quill Press, 2014), THE SEVENTH TAKING (Amber Quill Press, 2015), and HOLLOW CRIB (Five Star-Gale-Cengage, 2016).
 
© 2015 BJ Bourg

Cover Reveal: THE SEVENTH TAKING

I just received the cover for my upcoming suspense/thriller, THE SEVENTH TAKING, which be available April 5, 2015 through Amber Quill Press. My favorite book covers have scenic backgrounds and my favorite scenes are mountains, so I guess it's no surprise that I love the cover art.

Many thanks to Trace Edward Zaber for the outstanding work.

BJ Bourg is the author of JAMES 516 (Amber Quill Press, 2014), THE SEVENTH TAKING (Amber Quill Press, 2015), and HOLLOW CRIB (Five Star-Gale-Cengage, 2016).
 
© 2015 BJ Bourg